I also have two pairs of tickets to attend a special Yacht Rock event at the Knitting Factory on December 27. To me, Yacht Rock are the funniest videos ever to grace the internet, and if you haven't seen them, acquaint yourself immediately. The show, hosted by Yacht Rock creator JD Ryznar (Michael McDonald), includes a screening of all 10 episodes, as well as musical guests The School of Rock playing Yacht Rock Classics. YR cast members will also be in the house.

Details on how to win either contest, as well as more phenomenal upcoming shows, at the end of this post....

But first...I always heard a lot of great things about LA based comedian Brody Stevens but never actually took the time to familiarize myself with him. However, his recent contributions to the Comedy Death Ray profile on Superdeluxe have made me a huge fan. For those who don't know, Comedy Death Ray is a weekly "alternative" comedy show in L.A. founded by former Mr. Show writers/actors, Scott Aukerman and B.J. Porter - they created one of the best comedy CDs ever by the way. Anyhow, Brody's show is called The Brody Stevens Interview Challenge and the premiere episode features Zach Galifianakis. Watch Part 1 below, and head on over to Superdeluxe for Part 2. Keep checking back as more episodes are sure to surface.....

The big news around town has to be that British comedian Daniel Kitson has confirmed three shows at Union Hall on December 2, 3, and 4. Hailed as a favorite of comedians including David Cross and Eugene Mirman, Daniel Kitson doesn't get to the states enough. Like a jerk, the last time he was around I missed every single one of his appearances. I shan't make the same mistake twice. These shows are going to sell out for sure, so get tickets ASAP!.

Bobby Tisdale, co-Host of Invite Them Up, has a new bi-weekly show at Cake Shop called Llama Toe with Bobby and Friends. Co-Hosted by Reggie Watts, this show originally took place at Caroline's and man am I glad it's been moved to Cake Shop. 5 bucks, no minimum, no touristas.

Keeeeep reading....

Brody Stevens Interview Challenge: Zach Galifianakis, Part One

In other LA comedy news, duo Tim and Eric have been seriously busy lately. I know T&E aren't everyone's cup of tea, but their stuff is so bizarre and absurd that I find them totally addictive.

Tim & Eric have a LIVE SHOW on Superdeluxe every Tuesday. Go here for schedules and archived episodes

The whole writer's strike can be a bit confusing and difficult to navigate. Aspecialthing has a thread devoted to the strike. Contributors include writers from all over the entertainment biz as well as your average Joes and Janes. It's a great resource and a great way to see what people (including writers from Conan O Brien) have to say about the situation.

Comedian Tom Sharpe has contracted debilitating strain of Lyme disease. Tom has suffered from headaches and dizziness for months, and has had to move home to Iowa to be taken care of by his family. The Lyme's hasn't let up, and Tom has been subjected to endless tests, doctor visits and stomach problems, losing 40 pounds in the process. One of Iowa's drawbacks is its lack of Lyme medical experts, so Tom has had to travel to New York and Chicago for further testing and treatments -- not covered by insurance. He has undergone TWO spinal taps, and the medical torments continue. On November 12, a benefit show featuring Sarah Silverman, Bob Odenkirk, Maria Bamford, Marc Maron, Paul F. Tompkins, Hard n Phirm, Jimmy Pardo, Tig Notaro, Martha Kelly and others was held in order to raise funds on his behalf. If anyone reading this wants to help, and every little bit helps, please consider making a donation via PayPal. Use the address joanadark at sbcglobal.net. Please put "Tom donation" and your name in the subject line so they know who it's from.

11/16/07, 8:30pm Rififi: Greg Johnson & Larry Murphy: Greg Johnson and Larry Murphy deliver one of the chillest comedy shows to grace Fridays in NYC. Stop in, have a beer, and be amazed at the sheer quality and famousness of their guests

HERE'S HOW TO WIN: (the contests at the very top of this post) Send an e-mail to BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: YACHT! or ARMISEN). Include your first and last name for guestlist. Winners will be selected at random and notified.

Correction: The free Dewars/Onion shindig is actually tomorrow (Tuesday) night, not on 11/19 as posted above. I just got a confirmation so there is still likely some RSVP spots left open if you're into laughing while drinking free booze.